U2 eXPERIENCE + iNNOCENCE Tour 2018

'Don't believe what you hear…'

'Don't believe what you hear, don't believe what you see
If you just close your eyes you can feel the enemy…’

When & Where
Saturday May 26th 2018. Show 12 of U2eiTour is at The Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee. Third ever U2 show in Nashville, first time in an arena setting.

Set List
'Gloria' returns to position number 5 in the set, and 'Vertigo' closes out with a few lines from The Kings Of Leon's 'Sex On Fire' (with a nod to drummer Nathan Followill who is at the show). Here's the full set list.

1. This tour looks & sounds great in the cheap seats.
2, The door is open. You're standing there. You let me in. Gloria!!!!!!!!!
3. Bono: "At the far end of experience, with some wisdom & good company, he can recover his innocence."
4. The spoken word/improv over The Ocean seems to get better every night.
5. Timberline Road in Southfield, Michigan is my Cedarwood Road. What is yours?
6. Johnny Comes Marching Home Again snippet in SBS tonight.
7. I think that was a very brief Kings Of Leon "Sex Is On Fire" snippet at the end of Vertigo.
8. Nashville is an audience that can shout "Amen"
9. Meanest MacPhisto speech yet. Trump, Putin, Charlottesville, Mick Jagger all name checked. No more sympathy for the devil.
10. Bono's SATS intro: 'I can't remember writing it & I am not sure what it is about: but willful blindness can destroy a country.'
11. Clear & woke about what is & what is not America. Best transition from blinded sun to humble pride.
12. Is it just me or did they just dirty up the live version of American Soul for the Dirty South?!
13. So thanks Bono, now I get it, 13 is a lullaby for every 50-something parent's inner 13 year old.

In The Press
Juli Thanks write for The Tennessean.
'U2 rocks Nashville's Bridgestone Arena. After more than 40 years together, U2 can still put on a damn good show. On Saturday night, the Irish rockers – frontman Bono, guitar slinger The Edge, bassist Adam Clayton and drummer Larry Mullen Jr. – brought their Experience and Innocence Tour to Bridgestone Arena.
The concert fell almost exactly a year after the band's last performance in Middle Tennessee: a headlining set at Bonnaroo. The festival date was part of a tour during which U2 revisited “The Joshua Tree,” the classic 1987 album that featured some of the biggest hits of their career, like “I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For,” “Where the Streets Have No Name” and “With or Without You.”
This time through the Volunteer State, the foursome eschewed “The Joshua Tree” completely. But the night was still filled with fan favorites, a career-spanning set list that ranged from early '80s singles like “I Will Follow” and “Gloria” to “You're the Best Thing About Me” (from their most recent record, 2017's “Songs of Experience”) and a few surprises.
A brief intermission included a new recording of “Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me” (U2's contribution to the “Batman Forever” soundtrack) by Gavin Friday and Arcade Fire's Regine Chassagne. Later in the night, U2 performed an acoustic version of “Staring at the Sun” from 1997's “Pop.” “I can't remember writing it, and I'm not sure what it's about,” Bono said of the song, which came from what he described as the band's “psychedelic period.” “I think it's something to do with willful blindness, the kind of thing that can destroy a home, or even a country.” The stripped-down arrangement accompanying images of neo-Nazis and white nationalist rallies brought the song's message to the forefront. Experience and Innocence might be the most tech-heavy tour of U2's career. Two stages were connected by a catwalk that ran through a 100-foot video wall. The band members were able to interact with the images on screen, leading to visually interesting moments like Bono walking through the streets from his Dublin childhood while performing "Cedarwood Road."
"Sunday Bloody Sunday" is as powerful as it was 35 years ago, and “Pride (In the Name of Love)” can still bring an arena to its feet.
During the three-song encore, Bono gave shoutouts to some famous friends in attendance, including Al Gore, T Bone Burnett, Oprah Winfrey, Ashley Judd and Bill Frist before launching into a soaring rendition of one of U2's most enduring classics, "One." The song also included a snippet of "Invisible," a plea for unity from the 2014 record "Songs of Innocence:" "There is no 'them,' there's only 'us.' "

Experience Of The Day
@Ava (via Instagram). 'I have loved Bono and U2 since I was a girl. I've been guarded and guided by their work in many moments of my life. I first learned about human rights and activism, not through Martin Luther King as he was blandly taught in school, but through the passion of Bono's voice singing of the civil rights icon in the song PRIDE. I named my first narrative film, I WILL FOLLOW, after their song that meant so much to me and my Aunt Denise. She was the one who first introduced me to their music. I played their song BAD on the day I buried her and it helped me lift my head as I drove to the funeral, like a balm for my wounded heart. My favorite all-time song of U2 is DROWNING MAN. It's not a hit song. It's a heart song. And it lives in mine. In the song, Bono sings the words: “take my hand.” A moment before this picture was snapped, he reached over and took mine in his. I was breathless and speechless. He and Edge were everything a fan wishes their hero will be upon meeting them. Every single thing. My true thanks to all who made the moment possible, especially my friend @Oprah, who knows my heart and that this would make it shine and shimmer and sing. It did. In more ways than I can express. It's a beautiful day. xo'

Review For U2.com Michelle Johnson is part of our mod team over in zootopia and was at the show tonight. Still buzzing, she sent us her thoughts right afterwards.
'Only the second indoor show that U2 has ever performed in Nashville and they brought their experience like it was a familiar home. Leading the audience through their innocence to experience, the crowd was eager to have it all. “Love is All We Have Left” began as we all looked on with wide eyes, then came alive with “The Blackout”. The band quickly took us back to the beginning with “I Will Follow” and moved through their journey from there. We all danced and sang along with energy and passion. After Bono takes us down Cedarwood Road and the Troubles via Sunday Bloody Sunday, we entered the experience stage. From the e stage, Bono asked, “What do you desire, Nashville? A quiet night in? I don't think so!” Again the band had Bridgestone Arena rocking through “Elevation”, “Vertigo” and “Desire”. And MacPhisto seemed to be in a particularly menacing mood tonight before “Acrobat”. The band moved on to the acoustic songs and Bono said he doesn't remember writing “Staring at the Sun” or know what it's about but the audience remembered it well and lent their voices. The focus was the American Dream from “Pride” to “American Soul” and the passion of being in the heartland of that history brought an extra element to that part of the set.
The encore began with One, and Bono mentioned that Oprah Winfrey, Michael W Smith, Al Gore and Ashley Judd were in the house. The arena became a sea of swaying lights as we sang “we get to carry each other” Bono told us that he never grew up but has gone from 11 to 13 now and that “13” was written for their kids and for our kids too. The band gave Nashville a night to remember and hopefully Nashville gave the band a night to remember'.

COMMENTS

Great concert and stage tour with Sam ......roll on Dublin in November

Shelleytown

06 June, 2018

The best band in the world!

The Nashville show was my second time seeing U2. My first U2 concert was "Bono-roo" in 2017. They are the most fantastic band to see live. I loved each and every song!! Will come back again and again!!

DorBor

02 June, 2018

AWESOMENESS!!!

U2 without fail!!!...always amazing and entertaining...can never get enough of their music...loved the whole acrobat scenario and hearing starring at the sun one of my old time favorites...next stop for me Dublin...can't wait to finally see them preform in their hometown

michelle_knoben

01 June, 2018

Nashville

What an awesome fun night!

HonduranFan

01 June, 2018

Opportunites

In the concert, multiple people were surprised that a young adult liked U2 and knew about that type of music. I explained to them that i can consider myself as an "old soul" compared to nowadays young adults. I grew up listening to U2, and they have always been an inspiration. I always dreamed of going to one of their concerts. I saw that they were going to be in Nashville so i couldn't waste the opportunity. I finally was able to see U2 in concert. I came to America, and saw them! Definitely the best concert I've ever lived.

160X

31 May, 2018

Nashville E Stage

Disco inferno!

timedwards

31 May, 2018

I Will Follow...

This was my 5th U2 concert('97, '09, '11, '17, '18) and they always put on a great show! "Pride", "I Will Follow", and "Acrobat" were awesome! I can't wait until the next time they tour again....

tibenn6

31 May, 2018

Starring at the sun

Great show. We were 7 rows from the small circle.

Timothy Travis

29 May, 2018

Acrobat!

I've waited a long time to see Acrobat in concert. Totally worth the wait. I've seen the boys well over a dozen times since my first show, Joe Louis Arena on the Unforgettable Fire tour, and I swear every show they are better.

Sofiakensington

28 May, 2018

Nashville

Bono

mllefirefly2

28 May, 2018

Love the new songs live

Always wanted to check out Nashville and this year I managed it. I was lucky to be able to see U2 in Chicago and Nashville this tour. Both shows went so far past my expectations and the new songs sound SO GOOD LIVE. The artistry of the images and stage design were surprising and fun. Feel very fortunate to have seen this band as many times as I have over the years. An experience right at the top of life experiences.

flychucker

27 May, 2018

@flychucker

We're still coming down off the high of last night's show! "Best thing about me" was played magnificently last evening...

JaySmith

27 May, 2018

Experience pays off!

I missed the Innocence tour a few years ago, and was so glad that the Experience tour was in my home town. One of the most beautifully crafted and creative shows I have ever seen, even amongst the 8 shows I have seen of U2, going all the way back to the original Joshua Tree tour in 1987. Stunning visuals and a great set list that was a great blend of a great new record and lots of hits from the past. #U2eiTour

jk317

26 May, 2018

Simply Amazing

Been going to U2 concerts and remember when they played in the Sunrise Amphitheater (War Tour) in South Florida which seated about 6,000. Bono jumped into the crowd and was passed around. They never cease to amaze! Rock on U2!!!

Lailca

26 May, 2018

Nashville

Family of U2 fans. The young lad’s first concert!

shandler

26 May, 2018

Counting the minutes!

I’ve been travelling the States for the past 25 years following U2 around. This is my first trip to Nashville and what a great Music Town to see my favorite band in! I’ve been to about 35-40 shows in countless cities over many years. Next up NJ & NYC in late June and July. Hoping to hear Red Flag Day, Song for Someone, Staring at the Sun and please don’t drop Gloria from the setlist tonight!

This show is all I've thought about ever since I got tickets on day one. I can't wait. Seeing U2 truly is an EXPERIENCE. I hope they play as much of SoE as possible. I keep seeing the setlists change a bit from show to show and I’m worried that they’ll cut some of the greats at Nashville. In a perfect world THEY WOULD PLAY ALL OF SoE. As of today, there have been 4 shows and San Jose (Day 2) is the only show that’s gotten RED FLAG DAY! Please play it at Nashville. And maybe “The Little Things”? And my favorite…”LANDLADY.”
If they play these I’d lose it!

jk317

06 May, 2018

Can't Wait

I have not missed a tour since I started seeing the U2 War tour. I am so pumped to see them at the Birdgestone. It is a great venue for pre and post event!!

agentvcf

02 May, 2018

Out Of Control for Nashville

I’m so ready to see my 4 horseman together.Saw Joshua Tree last year in Chicago.Gonna have to be BIG to top that one;). Out of Control has been my favorite song along w/Baba o’Riley since I was in 4th grade.Please play it in Nash my spirit Rock Star soulmates

rickjkd

25 March, 2018

Can't Wait!!!

I was in-between jobs when the Joshua Tree Your came through to Louisville and Indianapolis! When Nashville was announced for the Experience Tour, one of my closest friends who recently moved to Nashville called and asked me if i wanted to go. He is the one who got me into U2 around 30 years ago and hasn't seen U2 live himself. My family and i are making a trip out of it! This will be my 8th time seeing u2 live! Wasn't thrilled with the ticket price but made the exception .

Leo_G

19 March, 2018

GREATEST 4-MAN BAND ON THE PLANET

Witnessed another epic live concert by the greatest 4-man band (U2) on the planet last year in Louisville, KY. Was hoping they would make it to Memphis, TN but Nashville is right up the road. I'm sure the fellas will do what they do best in the music city.

nero112

26 January, 2018

Coming from Holland

Exited to watch the boys for the first time outside of Europe. See you all in May :-)

davidcradford

23 December, 2017

Daphne Ewanation

I am more excited than I could possibly express. The opportunity to see U2 is on my bucket list of thing to do in my life. My husband has dragged me to more shows that I can count. We just never could get tickets to U2. Now we will be going to Bridgestone Arena. I am from Winnipeg, Canada. Thank you so much for the music that you make, the stand for which you represent with your political views. I love you guys.

BEarlyinTN

20 December, 2017

Nashville!!!

Saw Joshua Tree in Louisville and thought it was one of the best and most intimate shows ever done. So excited they are coming back to Nashville. Would love for One Republic to open up for them here. I thought they were a great opening act in Louisville.

lipo65

22 November, 2017

Excited for Nashville

My goal was to make every US stop on this tour. I have tickets for half of them so far. I'm exhausted looking at the schedule already. But so excited. I just want to dance with them all once and then I can go home at the end of this having checked this off my bucket list and thrilled beyond words.
Feel the love!

Grizzamack

22 November, 2017

A Long Way

Coming All the way from Christchurch New Zealand to see this band in Nashville Very excited

AngiePike

15 November, 2017

Angie Pike

Seeing U2 again! This time no long road trip, no hotel room 10 miles from my house. U2 is worth wvwry mile I have traveled, but how fun to see them at home! Thank you

Arthur

14 November, 2017

Got my Nashville tickets

Alll right Nashville:: secured my seats for the show. I’ll be heading in from Houston for a long weekend. Looking forward to start the summer season by being at the show. Anyone else ?

mysterygirl1

13 November, 2017

NASHVILLE!!!!

EVERY show I've traveled to, to see U2, I have a sign representing Nashville! When they came in 2011, I had a sign welcoming them, and toward the end of the show, I had a sign saying "Y'all come back now, ya hear?" LOL! Glad they listened!! LOL!!! Now I hope they come back every tour from here on out! (Doesn't mean I won't travel to see them more, but hey! LOL)